Astros' Michael Brantley faces his former Indians squad

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Houston Astros left fielder Michael Brantley #23 greets Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis #22 before the game at Minute Maid Park on April 25, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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Whether he strokes single or strikes out, makes a diving catch or watches a detonated home run travel above his head in left field, Michael Brantley exudes no emotion.

Part of Brantley's demeanor is what attracted the Astros to him this past offseason. The 31-year-old veteran of 10 major league seasons is the embodiment of consistency, refusing to allow a situation to overtake him.

Thursday tested Brantley's stoicism. Before the Astros faced the Indians in the opener of a four-game series at Minute Maid Park, Jason Kipnis hopped from the third base dugout to greet Brantley.

Brantley's unflappable face broke into a wide smile. Kipnis corralled Brantley — his Indians teammate for nine seasons — in a bearhug. Brantley nearly picked the Cleveland second baseman off the ground.

"Believe it or not, he is an emotional guy," manager A.J. Hinch said. "I know he doesn't seem like that on the field, but it matters to him."

The routine continued throughout Indians batting practice on Thursday, a carousel of Cleveland players greeting their former comrade. Brantley batted fourth and played left field against the Indians — signaling their meeting since the left fielder signed with the Astros in the offseason.

"I had lifetime friends that I made over there throughout the course of my career that I kind of grew up with," Brantley said. "But like I said, when it's time to play baseball between the white lines, that kind of goes aside. When the game's over, we'll be best friends again."

Traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to Cleveland in exchange for pitcher CC Sabathia in 2008, Brantley spent each of his first 10 major league seasons as an Indian. He garnered four All-Star appearances and finished third in American League Most Valuable Player voting during the 2014 season.

Sidelined by injury during Cleveland's 2016 run to the World Series, Brantley never played past the AL Division Series as an Indian. Houston hammered the Indians in the ALDS last season, executing a three-game sweep that concluded Brantley's Cleveland career.

In that moment, Brantley said, he did not think of life beyond Cleveland. His lefthanded bat was among the most sought after in free agency. Houston pounced, giving him a two-year contract worth $32 million.

"My mental mindset is one game, one pitch, one out at a time. When the dust kind of cleared, I knew there was a possibility (my Indians career was over), but I didn't know what was going to happen, and I didn't want to think too much into it," Brantley said. "Obviously, the change came, and I'm happy where I am."

Brantley has assimilated seamlessly into his new clubhouse, garnering the nickname "Uncle Mike." His 29 hits were a team high entering Thursday's game.

Brantley still keeps in touch with "a lot" of his former teammates. Terry Francona, Brantley's manager for seven of his 10 Indians seasons, told Cleveland reporters before Thursday's game that he "may cry" at Brantley's first appearance in the batter's box.

"They gave me my first chance to play at the major league level, helped me through some injuries, were really supportive," Brantley said. "I appreciate everything they've done for me throughout my entire career."

Chandler Rome joined the Houston Chronicle in 2018 to cover the Astros after spending one year in Tuscaloosa covering Alabama football — during which Nick Saban asked if he attended college. He did, at LSU, where he covered the Tigers baseball team for nearly four years. He covered most of the Astros' 2015 playoff run, too, as an intern for MLB.com

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